First responders and lawmakers gathered Monday to once again call on the state to fund a crash gate on I-84 following a fatal bus crash last week.

The crash happened Thursday on I-84 when a bus carrying students from a Long Island school crashed and flipped, killing two people.

Slate Hill volunteer firefighters were among the many first responders to arrive on the scene. First responders say the fastest way to get there is a highway entrance that is miles from where the accident occurred.

"I can confidently say that each minute is crucial," says Slate Hill Fire Department Chief Michael Dally.

Dally was joined by first responders and elected officials who want a crash gate installed. There's been a decades-long push to get one installed on the highway that has about a 10-mile stretch between entry points.

"It's been 20 years in the making, and I hope that we can get something going and get a shovel in the ground soon," says Dally.

According to Dally, that span of highway has had three deadly accidents in just as many months.

"They deserve all the resources and tools necessary to best do their jobs, including this access gate," says Sen. James Skoufis.

Lawmakers say they will be submitting an application to the federal level to first approve the project and then get the state to sign off on funding.